The discussions, which involved the key players in the shipping sector of the economy was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the myriad of problems plaguing the nation’s seaports as Nigerians grapple with the insecurity in the land, especially the insurgency in the North eastern part of the country spearheaded by Boko Haram.
The forum, who took place last Friday, came on the heels of fears in certain quarters that if the key players do not come together and rub minds on the way forward to tackle security challenges in the terminals, the insurgents may take advantage of any loophole to wreak havoc in the nation’s seaports.
Since its concession in 2006, the federal government, through Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) no longer handle the day-to-day running of the ports situated in Koko, Sapele, Warri, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar.
The concession, which was midwifed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) left the operations of the ports in the hands of private investors.
Sources at the meeting told THISDAY that the brainstorming was at the instance of the Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, Mr. Kayode Aderanti.
It was gathered that those who attended the meeting include most of the associations operating in the ports, top officers of the Western Ports Command and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs)
One of the sources, said the National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Olayiwola Shittu led a delegation of top officials of the association to the meeting which lasted for hours.
He was said to have been accompanied by ANLCA Zonal Coordinator, West, Sir John Ofobike, Chairman of Apapa and Lilypond chapters, Deacon Olumide Fakanlu and Prince Chuks Njemanze respectively.
Chairman, ANLCA National Committee on Port Security and Secretary, Dr. Chidinma Sam Onyemelukwe and Femi Anifowose respectively, were also present.
Other port-related associations present were the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (NWUN), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMARTO), Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN), and NPA Security. THISDAY checks revealed that the meeting discussed security issues passionately and frankly, to the extent that it was recognised that the blame game must stop, for stakeholders to begin to address their own failings.
The source said Aderanti argued that was the only way a seamless synergy could be formed for the security of all port users and ensures the economic well-being of Nigerians, especially those operating within the maritime industry.
Aderanti was said to have told operators in the ports industry to return to their bases, call a meeting of their members and sensitise them on the need for everyone to take security, especially in the ports as a challenge.
The Police chief was said to have told them to be ready to give information of the suspicious items, movement and persons to the Police, for appropriate action.
